Elena Rybakina, the newly crowned world number one, won the 2026 US Open women's singles title after defeating Aryna Sabalenka in the final. Following her victory, Rybakina was expected to represent Kazakhstan at the Billie Jean King Cup Finals in China, but she has since withdrawn due to an Achilles tendon injury. The injury, which she sustained at the WTA 1000 tournament in Cincinnati, troubled her throughout the US Open, requiring her to take painkillers during her matches.
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According to the Kazakhstan Tennis Federation, Rybakina will undergo medical examination in Kazakhstan and requires at least two weeks for treatment and recovery. Her decision to withdraw, while impacting Kazakhstan's chances of securing their first Billie Jean King Cup title, is seen as commendable due to the difficult circumstances. Rybakina is prioritizing her health, opting to rest rather than risk a more serious injury.
During her recovery period, Rybakina plans to support young tennis players in Kazakhstan by conducting masterclasses in Astana and Almaty, where she will share her experiences and engage with aspiring athletes.
With the China Open approaching in just 12 days, it is likely Rybakina will also miss this event. However, she is expected to return in time for the Wuhan Open, which begins on October 12. Despite her absence from the upcoming tournaments, Rybakina will remain world number one, but her rivals such as Sabalenka, Jessica Pegula, and Coco Gauff could narrow the gap if they perform well. Rybakina is the only player who has already qualified for the WTA Finals, scheduled to start on November 7 in Indian Wells, California.